HC Deb 08 April 2003 vol 403 cc237-8W
Dr. Fox

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what procedure is in place for(a) an NHS hospital trust and (b) an independent hospital to give notice to the Independent Regulator of its intention to become an NHS foundation trust. [106640]

Mr. Hutton

Subject to parliamentary approval, provisions in the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Bill will allow for an application to be made to the regulator by persons (other than a national health service trust) to be incorporated as a public benefit corporation and authorised to become an NHS foundation trust, if the application is supported by the Secretary of State.

Dr. Fox

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the Independent Regulator, before making its prudential borrowing code, will be required to consult any independent organisation that intends to make an application to become an NHS foundation trust. [106641]

Mr. Hutton

Subject to parliamentary approval, the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Bill will make provision for the Regulator to consult such persons as he considers appropriate and this may include independent organisations that intend to make an application to become a national health service foundation trust.

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